we were getting

USAGE SUMMARY

"we were getting" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a past action that was in progress. Example: We were getting ready to leave when the phone rang.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We were getting drowned".

The New York Times

We were getting older.

The New York Times

We were getting engaged.

The New York Times

We were getting nowhere.

The New Yorker

"We were getting coffee.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We were getting closer.

The New York Times

Now we were getting closer.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"We're getting anxious.

The New York Times

"We are getting attention.

The New York Times - Books

We're getting out".

The New York Times

We are getting close.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were getting" to describe ongoing processes or states in the past. For example, "We were getting tired of waiting" indicates a state of increasing tiredness over time.

Common error

Avoid abruptly switching tenses when using "we were getting". Maintain consistency within the sentence and surrounding context to prevent confusion. For instance, instead of saying "We were getting ready, and then we leave", use "We were getting ready, and then we left" or "We got ready and then we left".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were getting" functions as a past continuous verb phrase. It indicates an action or process that was in progress over a period of time in the past. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its versatile usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were getting" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe actions or states evolving in the past. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its frequent appearance in journalistic and neutral contexts makes it suitable for various forms of communication. While alternatives like "we started to get" and "we were becoming" exist, understanding the specific nuances is key to effective writing. Proper attention to tense consistency is also crucial to avoid common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we started to get

Focuses on the commencement of the action rather than its continuation.

we were becoming

Conveys a sense of transformation or evolution over time.

we had started gaining

Indicates an increase or accumulation of something over a period.

we were developing

Emphasizes the process of growth or improvement.

we began to receive

Emphasizes the act of receiving something, whether tangible or intangible.

we were approaching

Suggests a movement or progression toward a specific destination or state.

we found ourselves

Highlights the unexpected nature of finding oneself in a particular situation.

we moved towards

Indicates a deliberate shift or change in direction.

we edged closer to

Implies a gradual and cautious advance toward something.

we experienced

Focuses on the direct experience of a particular event or sensation.

FAQs

How can I use "we were getting" in a sentence?

You can use "we were getting" to describe an action that was in progress in the past, such as "We were getting ready for the party when the guests arrived". It indicates a continuous action leading up to another event.

What are some alternatives to "we were getting"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "we started to get", "we began to receive", or "we were becoming".

Is it correct to say "we are getting" instead of "we were getting"?

The choice between "we are getting" and "we were getting" depends on the time frame you're referring to. "We are getting" refers to the present, while "we were getting" refers to the past. For example, "We are getting ready now" versus "We were getting ready earlier".

What's the difference between "we were getting" and "we got"?

"We were getting" describes a continuous action in the past, whereas "we got" describes a completed action in the past. "We were getting tired" implies a process of becoming tired, while "We got tired" indicates a completed state of tiredness.